Some parents that I talk to say that it's their job to teach their children about sex, not the school. MOST parents that I talk to want others such as church and school to reiterate and assist them in hitting home the truths about what happens when you make these decisions.
Here are a FEW statistics that are current. 1 out of every 3 women have or will have an abortion this year. 1 out of every 6 people have herpes, this is an STD that lives with you for the rest of your life. This also means that 20% of all Americans age 12 and older are infected with it. In the U.S. 34% of young women are pregnant at least once before the age of 20. Trichamonas causes MORE new infections than any other STD, with the exception of HPV, and I bet you've never even heard of it. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) who we go to for all of our health information reports that 19 MILLION NEW cases of STD's occurred last year and 50% (half) of those happened to people who were the ages of 15-24.
Here are MORE specific truths about Arkansas in particular. We are #4 in the country for teen pregnancy. We are #7 in the country for STD's. The health department has release information from surveys stating that most 8th graders have admitted to being pressured to have sex, that is 12, 13, and 14 year olds. It also showed that 10th graders admitted that 50% of them have already been part of multiple sexual relationships. (that's only 2 yrs difference) By 12th grade it's 63% and only 59% of those reported using any kind of protection.
I could go on and on (and I am going to) but this tells me and experts that we are NOT doing our job and mandates and laws should be made to regulate this issue. We need to combine sex education with the truth of abstinence so they know what happens if they choose not to comply. The facts are that very young people are having sex and they don't have any idea about the facts and it's altering their lives. It's also altering our lives. Some of you think it doesn't affect you, and you are SADLY mistaken. With the facts I gave you earlier, it means that we have young and old that are hurting and are broken. If you get herpes as a youth, you HAVE herpes as an elder. If you had an abortion as a youth, you carry that with you as an elder. If you have a baby as a youth, it changes you and your whole family's lives forever. People are hurting and going through SO much all around you everyday and it affects ALL of US!!! You can not assume that people in your circle are not dealing with these issues, because statistics PROVE that they are. If you are a parent, a grandparent, a sister, a brother, and aunt, or an uncle you have been affected.
I started my crusade by talking to parents, pastors, teachers, and law officials. I've not really gotten anywhere yet, but they need to know that God has laid this upon my heart and I'm just getting started. Is this important to you? Will you join me? I NEED to see your comments!!!
I'm right here with you Aimee. Having worked in the largest HIV/STD clinic in Minnesota, I've heard every heartbreaking story you can think of from young men and women who've been diagnosed with an STD or pregnancy. The first thing they say is "I didn't know that..." and the second is "What is my mom/dad going to say?".
ReplyDeleteParents and educators MUST work together to educate and protect our children with values and facts. Mom and Dad might not know the ins and outs of transmission and lasting physical and emotional consequences but they can educate themselves in many ways-books, lectures and even the internet in ways to talk about sex and fidelity.
Unfortunately, public schools can't temper their scientific facts with Christian values, so parents need to know the curriculum presented to their children and weave that into a Christ-centered and ongoing reinforcement at home.
Teaching chastity and abstinence along with prevention and the very real consequences of unmarried sex is one of the most important values any parent can instill in their children.
I am praying for you and your journey!
What you wrote is very true. I had a friend when I was younger that when she was 19 or 20, the first time she was with someone she contracted herpes. That is something she has lived with for the past 20 years and will continue to live with the rest of her life. It changed everything for her.
ReplyDeleteI believe that kids need to be taught abstinence as well as using protection. Some of the problems facing teens are that sex is everywhere they look and it is seen as no big deal. It is on TV, in movies, magazines, music, and so on. What they don't show are the consequence. Don't think that just because someone is a believer or attends a Christian school that they are not in these statics. The percentages may not be as high but it still happens. Teens think they are invincible and that it will not happen to them. I could go on and on just as you could. Education is a powerful thing.
I agree Aimee!! I think that teens have no idea about the diseases that are out there and how it could alter their lives forever! I am behind you, and will be praying....let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you in this great cause that God has laid upon your heart!
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